What lesson is often associated with the story of King Midas?

The story of King Midas is commonly associated with the lesson that greed can lead to downfall, especially illustrated through his desire for wealth. In mythology, King Midas was granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold. Initially, this seemed like a tremendous gift, allowing him to accumulate vast riches. However, he quickly realized the grave consequences of his wish as he was unable to eat or drink, since even his food and drink transformed into gold. This ultimately led to his isolation and suffering. King Midas's tale serves as a cautionary reminder that insatiable greed can result in negative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of valuing what truly matters in life beyond material wealth.

The other options, while they hold valuable lessons, do not align closely with the central theme presented in King Midas's story. The narrative is primarily a reflection on the dangers of excessive greed and the realization that wealth does not equate to happiness or fulfillment.